Pubdate: Thu, 07 Apr 2005 Source: Star, The (Malaysia) Copyright: 2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd. Contact: http://www.thestar.com.my Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/922 Author: Sim Leoi Leoi Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) DR M: SEX AND DRUGS ARE MAIN WORRIES PUTRAJAYA: Drug abuse and sex crimes are the main problems afflicting Malay youths and there is a need to focus on finding solutions for these issues. Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad gave his opinion on the problems plaguing Malays in the country in an hour-long meeting with members of Umno Youth at his office at the Perdana Leadership Foundation yesterday. "They asked to speak to me and I gave them my opinions and why there is this need for us to focus on resolving these issues among the Malay youths," he told reporters later. Dr Mahathir said he fully supported the decision taken by the wing to establish a Putera Umno bureau in order to "catch" Malay youths and keep them away from these problems. On the matter of corruption, such as money politics in Umno, Dr Mahathir said the Government was already doing its best to tackle the problem. Umno Youth exco member Azizul Nizam Bidin, who is also the chairman of the wing's culture, arts and heritage bureau, said Dr Mahathir had advised them to wage war against corrupt practices among themselves first before tackling the problem at party level. "We had expressed concerns about money politics in the party," he said. "Dr Mahathir also stressed the need for Malays to be independent and to be true to our values. We also have to be positive in our outlook," he said, adding that the meeting was part of the bureau's yearly activities. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom